About Feminicity

It’s all about blossoming into the best version of you, the most feminine way possible.

At Feminicity, we’re on a mission to support and celebrate women as they explore the playful and powerful world of dance. Our motto is simple:

Have fun. Get fit. Be feminine.

When a woman allows herself to express and play through the art of dance, she awakens a part of her soul and sensuality that’s been dormant for too long.

Whether you struggle with body image issues, stopped dancing because of an old injury, lost your feminine essence in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you CAN rediscover the playfulness, passion, and power of dance by simply saying YES.

We invite you to say yes to yourself and dance with us – online or in studio! We offer all levels of dance including

Classes + Schedule

Belly Dance

All classes are for woman from 12 to 90, any shape, any size, to keep fit while having fun. Belly Dance will help women to get connected with their bodies and souls while learning beautiful movement and work muscles that have never been worked before. Belly Dance empowers feminine beauty!

Level 1: (one year)In this class you will learn the core movements of belly dancing. Classes include a thorough warm-up to build strength and flexibility, technique breakdown, drills and fun combinations. We will also compare and contrast Egyptian style with American styles of Belly Dance. Students will receive a certification of completion and may move to the next level.Level 2: (two years)Once students have gain thorough understanding of muscle isolations and fluidity of movements from Level 1 they are ready for layering with the addition of finger cymbals. Classes include a thorough warm-up to build strength and flexibility, technique breakdown, drills and fun combinations. We will also compare and contrast Egyptian style with American styles of Belly Dance. Students will receive a certification of completion and may move to the next level.Level 3: (three years +)The greatest challenges are found at this level more layering with foot, arm and finger cymbals. Students will be doing vigorous muscle contractions, speed and accuracy, and challenging steps. Classes include a thorough warm-up to build strength and flexibility, technique breakdown, drills and fun combinations. We will also compare and contrast Egyptian style with American styles of belly dance. Upon instructors approval student will start training to optionally become one of our school dance instructors or continue to dance and become a part of our training team.

Once you have a good basic dance knowledge of all the style of Burlesque dance. You are ready to learn more steps and technique and for stage performance.

Workshops & Other Specialty Classes

Throughout the year we have ongoing workshops that specialize on props such as veil, poi, cane etc… We also have guest dance instructors that will teach a dance workshop. We have specialty classes that will focus on drills, musicality, and technical skills such as Core Dance Footwork and drumming.

View our Mind Body system and browse through our available classes and workshops.

Interested in Ballroom classes for singles and couples? Visit NorthbayBallroom.ca for class info and schedule.​​

Transformations

Weight Loss & Self Discovery Story

Joany Gauvreau Founder of Feminicity & Dance Instructor

I was overweight, depressed, broke, had a office job that I absolutely hated, was raising a daughter by myself, and just could not get a grip of my life. Then one day I discovered the most unorthodox solution to all my problems….I discovered a book on Belly Dancing, yes, a book on Belly dancing changed my life and what I’m about to share may do the same for you too!Once I started reading the benefits of Belly Dancing, I got more and more interested in learning it. I found time in the early morning at home to watch Belly Dance DVDs to do it before heading off for work. I realized quickly that the benefits I’d only read about were starting to take effect in my mind, body and soul.Something amazing happened in the next few months. I started feeling better in my skin, and even though I wasn’t at my dream weight yet, I still started feeling beautiful and worthy. The movements of this feminine dance made me feel connected to myself and connected as a woman.Soon, my life began to change. Opportunities started showing up. I was becoming a strong independent woman who didn’t need a man to make me happy. I relished being a role model for my daughter, and most of all, I felt like I was finally on the right path to happiness.Yes, I lost over 70lbs dancing my butt off (literally)! Yes, I wasbecoming thin. But the weight loss was not all that made me happy. It was the sense of femininity that pulsed through me when I Belly Danced. It was the sense of accomplishment I felt when I committed to doing it everyday and it was the overall spiritual connection to me.Let’s get real. The gym could never do this for me. Fitness classes couldn’t do this for me, but dancing did.If you’re willing to try something different for yourself, this might be a life changer.

“Every woman, regardless of age, size or position in life has a beautiful goddess in her core being. When she dances, that sexy, feline element starts rises to the surface! That’s what Feminicity is all about.” -Joany

What people are saying about Joany & Feminicity

“Yes I have lost weight, yes I have tightened muscles, but more than that I walk taller, speak up louder, laugh more, and feel beautiful each and every time I dance.”

“Joany’s approach to body movement and dance is beautifully unique. It’s not about following her moves, but about finding the rhythm within. From this space and place of self love, body confidence, and freedom, women shift from dimming their light to lighting the world on fire.”

Lisa Steidman

“What makes Joany unique is where other instructors fail. Joany exudes passion, charisma, and enthusiastic energy that motivates and super-charges her audience. Many belly dancers know the moves, but it is how you present those moves that creates that special connection between instructor and fitness dance enthusiast; this is where Joany excels.”

” I met Joany about 6 years ago at an Empowering Woman’s workshop set up by my work. She was putting on a beginner’s belly dance workshop. No matter what my size I have always loved music and dancing. I have always been the girl who is first up on a dance floor at weddings and last to leave the floor at the end of the night. So I figured I would enjoy the workshop.

Of course I loved the workshop, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the way belly dance made me feel mentally. It wasn’t just about rhythm and steps, it was about embracing your curves and confidence. Having always lacked confidence in my body it was very difficult for me to feel ok with moving my hips and “shaking the girls”. I watched Joany, and I was completely mesmerized by her beauty and confidence and I knew then and there that I was hooked.

I signed up for her class and started once a week. As the weeks went on I noticed more flexibility and more comfort. I felt beautiful when I belly danced!

My confidence grew, and I branched out into her other classes throughout the years. Bollywood, disco, salsa, cowboy ugly, hula, and of course burlesque.

I have been part of the burlesque group for a few years now. Yes I have lost weight, yes I have tightened muscles, but more than that I walk taller, speak up louder, laugh more, and feel beautiful each and every time I dance in the studio or out in public. I’m not afraid to say “I need dance class”. I take time for myself and put my dance on the calendar as “Me Time”. My family knows that I am a much happier wife and mommy if I dance regularly and I hope that by seeing me make health important, my children will follow as they grow up. ​

In the end, thank you Joany Gauvreau. I cannot ever begin to tell you how much you have changed my life for the better. You allow me to challenge myself, grow in character and SHINE in so many wonderful ways. You are truly inspiring and I love you for it.”

Jennifer Ladouceur

” Early last fall, I noticed that my aunt had lost a lot of weight. When I asked her how she did it, I was stunned to hear that she was attending belly-dancing classes with Joany. She went on to explain that the dance was a lot of fun and did wonders not only for her weight problem but also for her overall wellbeing. Wanting to lose weight myself since my husband and I were trying to conceive for the past year, I signed up for the next session. I wondered if it would work: I had tried so many programs and gyms, but nothing worked. I could not lose any weight. I started dancing in early November. By the end of December, I had lost 15 pounds. By the end of January, I found out that I was pregnant. I feel fantastic! Not only do I look great, but my self-esteem has improved. Thank you, Joany, for helping me reach a few of my goals.”

Mélanie St.Amour Moon​

” Hello Joany!I wanted to let you know that you are causing a major buzz in this area! Everyone is talking about your workshop and how incredible you are!The comments on the evaluations were also excellent: “it was perfect!”, “extremely well done”, “fun and no pressure”, “it was all GOOD!”, “wonderful support of the instructor with the group”.They love you!People started calling me first thing this week to ask about next session. I am so pleased with the whole experience.I myself feel the same way about your workshop. You are an excellent instructor! Not only do you know your stuff and break it down so that everyone understands, but you are also very supportive to everyone, even in such a large group!I just wanted to let you know all this positive stuff! Bonne journée!!!”

“My name is Tony Rausseo. I am a professional dancer, choreographer and instructor. I am quite happy to have met Joany Gauvreau. I’ve known Joany since 2003. Miss Gauvreau teaches Belly Dancing. After working with her for a good while, I can simply say that she is definitely a source of inspiration as well as great promoter of health, well-being and entertainment for hundreds of people, especially women concerned about their bodies and their general appearance. I have a high regard for her abilities and her motivational skills. As a professional belly dance instructor, she is inspiring, neat, accurate, passionate and very professional. Her character and personality are commendable. After watching her work with her students, I have noticed that she has always displayed the ability to learn and adapt to any situation quickly, the desire to do a first-rate quality job, and a willingness to put in as much time as needed to see the students learn this beautiful form of art. Needless to say, she is a winner in my book. If anyone ever wishes to take a belly dance class, I would suggest visiting her class. Bravo Joany! “

“When I started to plan in bringing Joany up to Kirkland Lake to offer “The Art of Belly Dancing” workshops, little did I know I was starting a craze! In no time we had two levels going and due to the interest, we have expanded by offering the workshops in two other communities in the Temiskaming area. Comments from students’ evaluations ranges from “Belly Dancing is like doing exercise but not knowing it, since Joany makes it so much fun”, to “Since I have started to Belly Dance with Joany, I find that I have improved my physical and neurological functions. I can do things I wasn’t able to do physically and I have a better self-image of myself” and furthermore “I did not realize how much I hid away my feminine side. I feel I have found a part of myself I hadn’t seen in a while”. All in all, we are very proud in having Joany part of our team of professional trainers and are looking forward in offering more of these workshops in the future.”

Parties & Bookings

Bachelorette, Birthday, Wedding, or Corporate Event

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Hold your next girl’s night or couples dance party at Feminicity. We offer dance parties at our studio location OR we can bring the dance party to you. Whether it’s a Bachelorette, Birthday, Wedding, or corporate event just email us the details (date, time preference, type of party, # of people, length of party and what you are looking for) and we’ll respond with an estimate.

Need-to-know party information:

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Typical requests are for a 1 hour private class with Instructor.

You can also call 705-478-7994 to inquire. We’ll teach your group some fun dance moves in any of the following genres and get your party moving!

Bellydance

Ballroom Dance

Salsa Party

Bollywood Fusion

Burlesque

Arabic Drumming

Your party will have a private instructor, full use of the entire studio and props provided where needed.

Rates:

Prices start at $200 for a 1 hour private party. A minimum non-refundable deposit of $100 is required the time of booking your event.

We are happy to customize your party to suit your needs.For parties held at your home/location a travel fee may apply if you are over 30 kms from the studio.

Need-to-know performance information:

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Our performance rates are provided below. Please review them and email us specifics for your show requirements (Date/Time/Location/Length of performance/Number of dancers/Number of sets/Purpose of Event/Nationality of guests) along with any other pertinent details. We will respond to your request right away. Alternatively you can call us at 705-478-7994 with details. (Maybe add video me performing)SOLO BELLYDANCE PERFORMANCES (20 minutes)Contact us for details on single or multiple performances in one evening.

FAQs for performance bookings:

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What kind of music will be used?Arabic Music. Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese style, etc. We can accommodate music selection to your audience.

How soon do I need to book a dancer and/or the band?We suggest you reserve your entertainment sooner than later in order to secure your dancers and/or live musicians for the event. Last minute bookings are no problem as long as we’re available. Christmas, New Year’s and Summer are all busy times for parties and weddings! It’s best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.​

What can I expect from the belly dance performance?Expect a professional energetic performance! Our performers will enhance and embellish your event while illustrating the beauty, mystery, and vibrancy of Arabic music and dance. Performers create each Show to meet the needs of the client’s theme and to provide the best experience possible for all guests. ​

How much room/space does the belly dancer require to perform?The dancer or dancers require plenty of room to perform plus a cleared path for entering and exiting from the dance floor. The dance floor surface must be suitable for dancing barefoot. A minimum of 12′ x 12′ cleared area is required. The belly dancer’s entrance should be one of surprise and mystique. Please ensure her pathway to enter to the dance floor area or stage is cleared of furniture, chairs and people so she can make as dynamic an entrance as possible.​

Inquire on a performance booking

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Rates:

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North Bay and surrounding prices start at $200. An additional $50 applies per 30 minutes of extra travel. Joany of Feminicity (20 minutes)North Bay and Surroundings: $200 Joany with Live Drummer in North Bay/Surroundings – $300Joany with 1 Dancer North Bay/Surroundings – $300Joany with 2 Dancers North Bay/Surroundings – $400Payment: A 50% non refundable deposit is required to book a dancer. The balance is payable the night of the event you can pay cash or you can pay prior with debit or credit card. Frequently Asked Questions About Bellydance EntertainmentWill the dancer bring her own music or do I need a band?The dancer will provide music for her set on Ipod, USB stick or CD (you advise) with a compilation of music. If there is a live band the dancer can perform to that with notice in order to prepare and discuss with band. We require a top quality sound system – we will not perform to a boom box!

What type of sound system is required?We will perform only to a high quality sound system and will not perform to a boom box. The sound quality should be excellent and the volume loud enough to drown out conversation. We will provide our own music on CD or with Ipod if you have Ipod capabilities. If you are using a DJ, have the DJ speak with the bellydancer or her assistant as soon as she arrives to obtain the CD and will arrange with you for her entrance requirements. Please ensure the volume is loud enough to command attention and drown out conversation.​What type of event is most suitable for a belly dance show?A traditional Belly dancers add a special flair for birthdays, engagement parties, weddings of course, anniversary parties, Bar Mitzvahs/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate functions and conventions, community festivals, Arabic themed parties, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, family celebrations etc. Please note we do not perform at bachelor parties under any circumstances.When will she arrive at the event?The belly dancer will arrive 15 minutes prior to showtime. Please do not delay her show as she may have other engagements to get to that evening. Also by having her wait, will only decrease her energy level from having to wait around in costume. We allow for a 15 minute delay but beyond that we must charge $100 for every 1/2 hour we are kept waiting beyond the scheduled performance time.If you are unable to designate a specific time for the show, you can book the dancer for a flat rate of $500 which will include a performance and 1.5 hours of flex time.

How do I pay for the bellydancer?A non refundable deposit is required to hold a booking prior to the event. The balance is payable by cash the day of the event. If you would prefer to pay with debit or credit card you can do so at the studio. Prices are listed above and do not include additional travel expenses or add-ons if required. Please add 13% HST to price. ​ goes here

Shows + Events

Perform with us!

Feminicity is know for holding annual Cabaret shows in the North Bay area along with other small showings and events. Joany allows her students performance opportunities in as little as 6 weeks after taking their first class!